Private Folly Beach Dolphin Watching and Shelling tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Summer is the best time of the year to see pods of juvenile and baby dolphins. Join me on a private up to six guests, 2-2.5-hour boat tour through the local tidal creeks behind Folly Beach in search of our local dolphins. From the boat you will get to experience feeding techniques, socializing behaviors, and dolphins just having fun in their natural element. When spotted we will drift alongside them for great photo opportunities a get a little information about this wonderful creature. We’ll stop at Morris Island where you will have plenty of time to explore and take photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse. Our trips are designed for small groups up to 6 to give our guests a true Lowcountry experience on one of the most comfortable and easy to board tritoons available. 100% guarantee that you will see dolphins in their natural habitat.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Morris Island Lighthouse
Join me on this two hour boat tour as we ride through Folly Beach's most pristine marshlands on our way to Morris Island. As we cruise the estuary, we will be on the lookout for our local wildlife that inhabit the area including bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, osprey, pelicans, or a sea turtle. We land at Morris Island where you will enjoy a quiet beach only accessible by boat where you can look for seashells, sand dollars, whelks, shark teeth, and more. Morris island is the best place to take photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse. You will have over an hour to explore at your own pace before getting back on the boat for the trip back. This trip is for up to six guests. Trips are customizable to meet the needs of our guests.
Options
Private Folly Beach Dolphin Watching and Shelling tour
What‘s Included
Free parking space
Licensed Captain
22 ft Avalon Tritoon boat
Drinks or Snacks
Sunscreen
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
93 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Pleasant boat ride and shelling trip for the whole family!
JJPlus3,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time going on this tour! Captain Jim was informative and also very nice. We really liked the boat too - it was very comfortable, and most importantly it was very easy to get on at the dock and off at the beach, which helped those of us with knee problems!
Fantastic trip!
Marie B,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Jim is very accommodating and friendly. Our family had a great time on this trip with him taking us out to the light house island for shelling and shark teeth hunting. The only thing we did wrong was not book long enough trip. We should have went for the 5 hours. Thanks Jim for helping us make a wonderful memory. We will book again if we get back to the area on another trip.
Dolphins and shells
alyssav736,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family and I had a great morning with Jim! We saw plenty of dolphins on the way out to Folly Island. Jim was kind and personable with great recommendations around the Charleston area, and even had bags for us to bring shells back.
Great time!
michael m,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was so fun. Captain Jim was super knowledgeable and great to talk to. Finding the seashells on the island was definitely a core memory, and something we won’t forget. 1000% recommend.
Boat Ride
Andrew Z,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Jim was an excellent captain. Easy going and fun. Helped us find dolphins and took us to a nice shelling beach.
Here’s a shorter 5-star...
Sarai G,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing experience! We saw dolphins up close, enjoyed a beautiful boat ride, and loved exploring peaceful Morris Island. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole trip unforgettable. This was our second trip and we will be booking a third. Highly recommend! 🌊🐬✨
Beautiful views!
Shayna T,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Jim did a great job at showing us around the low country and we spotted several dolphins along the way! Morris Island has tons of interesting shells and is a neat place to walk around. Even though I went during the off season, it was a very enjoyable experience and I highly recommend it!!
Great entertaining and educational tour, oh and there's dolphins.
matthew h,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The captain is very knowledgeable ao the area as well as the history of the area. Very mindful of the nature and waterways. Entertaining and educational if I had to sum up the experience.
Wish I could give 10 stars!
Deirdre B,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the BEST experience! The Captain was the most genuine, kind, and cool guy! The boat was absolutely spotless and so comfy! The Captain customized the trip to what we wanted to see and do. He was so knowledgeable about the area and the dolphins! This was one of the highlights of our trip!
Perfect Dolphin Shelling Private Charter!!!
Cheryl C,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic trip with Captain Jim during low tide at 10:30 in the morning! He is so very knowledgeable, fun and kind! A relaxing trip to the island for shelling and to see the lighthouse! Highly recommend!!!
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Operated by Jim Kotwica